Archives for September 2018

Sixteen years is a long time to build a model, especially one that has seen few changes since its debut. The Chrysler 300 is that model, a traditional full-size sedan and one of only two vehicles sold by the brand.

This week, we learned that the Chrysler 300 will soon be no more. Parent Fiat Chrysler has decided to retire the vehicle, although the similar Dodge Charger sedan and the Dodge Challenger coupe will likely live on. That said, the Dodges may eventually go away as well as FCA transitions chiefly to a maker of crossovers, SUVs, pickup trucks and vans.

Daimler Derived: Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 arrived on the market at the same time as the Dodge Magnum wagon and one year before the Charger’s debut. All four models (including the Challenger) share a common architecture developed by Mercedes-Benz. At that time, the brands were part of DaimlerChrysler, the ill-fated union of German and American automakers.

As for the 300, it was originally presented as a premium model, one designed to take on Buick and provide an affordable alternative to similar-sized models from Audi, BMW and Lexus. Its “gangster” good looks drove its appeal, with an extended wheelbase and multiple all-wheel-drive versions available. Later, the stretched wheelbase model was discontinued and all-wheel drive was restricted to the V6 models alone.

The 300 was also supposed to top a three-car model line. Indeed, that line already includes the 200, a midsize sedan and was supposed to be completed by the 100, a compact model. But plans for the 100 were canceled and production of the 200 was ended early as FCA later announced its full commitment to brands such as Ram and Jeep, with little left for Chrysler and Dodge.

The Dodge Charger may live on. For now.

Enter the Chrysler Portal

But the Chrysler brand isn’t likely to go away. Instead, as the 300 drives off into the distance, an electric van based on the Portal concept seems likely to arrive in 2020.

The Chrysler Portal Concept is an electric van “designed by millennials for millennials,” according to the company’s website. The concept was introduced in January 2017 at CES (Consumer Electronic Show) and just ahead of the North American International Auto Show (Detroit auto show).

When it comes to futuristic designs, the Portal Concept nails it. This van’s overall design features a boxy look tempered by dramatic curves and unique roof, door and hatchback elements. Indeed, this model has four sliding doors, which aid in access to the interior. Inside, the cabin is airy and expansive with four individual sculptured seats. The long and deeply canted windshield, glass roof and generous storage space are important design distinctions of note.

The Chrysler Portal Concept appears headed to production.

Electric, But Not Yet Autonomous?

Besides its catchy design and electric powertrain, the Chrysler Portal is supposed to be fully autonomous. That said, we’re not certain autonomous drive will be ready when this model debuts. Further, while it may offer full electrification, Chrysler hasn’t ruled out a range extender option, such as what’s offered with the BMW i3.

Please note that our comments here are largely speculative. The automaker hasn’t made an official announcement of the new model or of what it will entail.

As for the concept, Chrysler says that the Portal has a 250-mile electric range on a full charge. Further, the automaker says that by connecting to a DC Fast Charge outlet, the battery pack recharges to a 150-mile range in under 20 minutes. Other concept features include facial recognition technology, track-mounted seating that can fold flat, slide the full length of the vehicle or be removed.

Chrysler’s Van Approach

Although Chrysler hasn’t called the Portal a minivan, it is in every sense of the word just that. Moreover, it is much more of a true minivan than the current models available, including the Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey. All three are essentially medium vans that match the size of today’s full-size crossovers.

Finally, with the 300 gone, we’re entering a new era of automotive manufacturing where vehicles favoring electrification and autonomy gain ascendancy. That said, the consumer is the final arbiter of what the market offers, therefore it will be interesting to gauge how they respond to changes that are reshaping the landscape.

Once considered a dying segment, the midsize pickup truck market is showing fresh signs of life. Much credit is due to GM for releasing a pair of new trucks in 2015 — the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Those trucks lifted sales among such competing models as the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, and rejuvenated the segment.

Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger Return

Early in 2019, the Ford Ranger returns after an 8-year hiatus. About the same time, the Jeep Scrambler joins the market, the first pickup truck from this SUV brand we’ve seen in decades. Honda has the Ridgeline, a crossover pickup truck based on the architecture underpinning the Honda Pilot.

The segment isn’t done yet. A new model from Nissan seems imminent and the Tacoma will likely see a significant overhaul in the next year or two as Toyota seeks to defend its top position in the segment. Next up is a Ram pickup truck, an expected all-new model recently confirmed for production as reported by Automotive News.

The Ford Ranger returns in early 2019.

From Dodge To Ram

Not much is known about the Ram, which replaces the Dodge Dakota last produced in 2010 (it was sold as the Ram Dakota in 2011). What we do know is that the Ram will be built at the same Toledo, Ohio, manufacturing plant as the Jeep Scrambler. Both models are traditional body-on-frame and will likely have multiple powertrain, cabin and bed choices available.

But the Ram, like the Jeep, will not be a high volume model. The segment has supported about 500,000 units annually, which is a far cry from the 2.4 million full-size pickup trucks sold every year in the U.S. alone.

Manufacturers, however, may look at midsize pickup trucks as the key to improving overall fuel economy. Yes, full-size pickup trucks from GM, Ford and Ram earn up to 30 mpg highway when motivated by a turbo-diesel engine. But those engines represent only a small portion of the motors powering pickup trucks.

2019 Ram 1500 Rebel (l) and Limited editions (r).

Hybrid Pickup Trucks

Ram is the first manufacturer to introduce hybrids, utilizing mild hybrids in some models. They’re not full-blown hybrids, but they do bring vehicle electrification along with the enhanced power to the segment. We’ll soon see plug-in hybrid pickup trucks, which will only enhance fuel efficiency.

The smaller, lighter midsize trucks may prove the most efficient models as these come with standard four-cylinder engines. Just as Ram has the first hybrid trucks, we’ll see that technology spread to Jeep and to the Dakota replacement, as both brands are owned by Fiat Chrysler.

The Jeep Wrangler, for instance, will soon boast a plug-in hybrid model, arriving on the market about a year after an available turbo-diesel engine debuts next year. It seems likely that whatever the Wrangler gets will head to the Scrambler. And because the Scrambler and midsize Ram share the same architecture, ditto for the Dakota replacement.

2017 GMC Canyon Denali Crew Cab 4×4 short bed.

Ram Pickup Truck Aspirations

Although there isn’t much known about the new Ram pickup, there are a few things we can deduce. For starters, extended cab and crew cab configurations along with two bed size choices are a given.

FCA’s venerable 3.6-liter V6 and a turbo-charged 2,0-liter four-cylinder engine should kick things off. One or both will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or to an available 9-speed automatic transmission (standard with four-wheel drive). Segment-leading technologies, including infotainment and driver-assist features, will dominate the top-end trims.

In all, the upcoming Ram should only burnish the brand. Given that, the Ram is only possible because of the Jeep Scrambler, which is based on the popular Wrangler. Together, the three models should deliver the profits the automaker requires to justify such models.